Palace Square (Schlossplatz), Stuttgart

Smack bang in the middle of Stuttgart City Centre, you will find the Schlossplatz. In stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the extremely busy main shopping street (KonigStrasse), this area much more relaxed with fountains and grassy areas in which to relax.

The name Schlossplatz translates at Palace Square and this is because the area is flanked by the two Palaces of Stuttgart. The Altes Schloss (Old Palace) sits on the right of the square with the Neus Schloss (New Palace) dominating one side of the square ahead of you.

The Altes Schloss was built in the 1330's and was a royal residence for much of the late 1500's. It was virtually destroyed during WWII but has been subsequently rebuilt to its former glory. Today it houses a museum celebrating the history of the Baden-Württemberg region and it costs 3€ to enter. I personally didn't visit the museum so can't review what that itself is like.

The Neus Schloss has a distinctly French feel to it as it was built in a Baroque style in the mid-to-late 1700's. It was used as a royal residence in the early 1800's and as with the Altes Schloss, it had to be completely rebuilt following it's destruction during WWII. Today it houses the Baden-Württemberg state government offices and although entry is possible (7.60€), I again didn't go in.

The square as a whole is an extremely nice place to go and rewind, especially if you have been shopping on the KonigStrasse and need to sit down for a few minutes. If visiting Stuttgart for the first time then it is well worth stopping here for a couple of photos but beyond that, there is not a lot to do. My suggestion is to then continue your walk through the corner at the left of the Neus Schloss where you will find a large pond that reflects the extremely nice Stuttgart Opera House that is also found here. Also, while in the square, watch out for the mime statues. I have to admit that they aren't as good as those I've seen in larger cities such as London, but their dedication to stand there daily needs applauding.

I would imagine that for someone living in Stuttgart the Schlossplatz gives them a great meeting place and its size and shape leads me to believe that it is likely that during this year's world cup, it would be extremely likely that large screens will be erected in this square.